We have many identities—some of them are psychological masks or "persona" we adopt for our dealings with the world, in our relationships, and sometimes—unfortunately—to hide behind within our own Personality. In other words, those masks can be either practical or self-deceitful.

As a business person, for example, we should dress according to our role and that includes that mask that represents that role. It identifies our expertise and function, and is practical and is not deceitful. As a parent, we adopt another mask of the good mother or father—a mask that fulfills a function for the child as well as a constant reminder of the changing nature of the important role we play for the growing child.

As a lover, we adopt another mask, but there we have to be more careful that it is not deceitful of the depth and reality of our obligations in a loving relationship which does include honesty about our self but also a ‘living up to’ the promise and nobility, the caring and devotion to the beloved, etc.

But, for ourselves, we adopt a "self-image" that must be true and honest as well as ideal. We need to work to fulfill that ideal as part of the Great Work of building an inner relationship between the middle self of Personality and the Higher Self that is also our Holy Guardian Angel.

In addition, we have our Magical/Magickal Identity – which see.